Method and device for the continuous production of a rolled metal strip from a molten metal

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method and to a device for producing a rolled metal strip from a molten metal by producing a cast metal strip in a strip casting device and then rolling the undivided metal strip in a roll stand to the final thickness of the strip. For controlling the course of the strip, strip guiding devices are provided upstream of the roll stand. In order to provide a stable insertion of the metal strip into the roll stand at the input side of the roll stand or at the site of rolling in accordance with the strip dimensions, the strip guidance interferes or is carried out at a distance of 1.0 to 10.0 times the strip width, preferably at a distance of 1.5 to 5.0 times the strip width, upstream of the roll stand.

The invention relates to a process for continuously producing a rolledmetal strip from a metal melt, in particular a steel strip, in which, ina first production step, melt is introduced into a strip-casting device,and a cast metal strip with a strip thickness of less than 20 mm,preferably between 1 mm and 12 mm, and a predetermined strip width isremoved from the strip-casting device, and in a second, subsequentproduction step, the cast, undivided metal strip is roll-deformed in atleast one rolling stand until it reaches its final strip thickness, themetal strip being positioned in the roll nip by a strip diversionmounted upstream of the rolling stand. The invention also relates to anapparatus for carrying out this process, and to a method for starting upthis installation.

A process of this type and a corresponding apparatus for producing arolled steel strip from a steel melt, in which a thin cast strip isproduced using the two-roller casting process using a two-roller castingdevice, and is hot-deformed directly from the hot casting stage in adirect further processing step carried out in a rolling stand, arealready known from EP-B 540 610 and EP-A 760 397.

Furthermore, it is known from EP-B 540 610 to provide pinch roll standsat a plurality of locations in the production installation, in order toensure reliable transportation of the cast strip from the two-rollercasting machine to the strip-winding device. A diverting roll foradjusting the strip conveying after it leaves the looping pit is alsoprovided immediately downstream of the two-roller casting installationand before the first pinch roll stand. This first pinch roll stand isintended to prevent transverse migratory movement of the strip in theinstallation. However, this is only possible within a limited conveyingsection. Furthermore, pinch roll stands are positioned upstream anddownstream of trimming shears, in order to keep the steel strip undertension during longitudinal trimming.

EP-A 760 397 has likewise disclosed a two-roller casting installationswith a downstream rolling stand for in-line deformation of the metalstrip. According to one of the embodiments described, a pair of pinchrolls is mounted at a distance upstream of the rolling stand, in orderto keep the cast strip under tension on the entry side of the rollingstand, and in addition a dancer rolls is positioned in a strip loop,between the pair of pinch rolls and the rolling stand, in order to avoida meandering strip path when it enters the rolling stand (FIG. 3).According to a further embodiment, a plurality of diverting or pinchrolls are arranged, and required, at a successive distance from oneanother in a temperature-controlled region upstream of the rollingstand, in order to avoid this disruptive strip path (FIG. 7).

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to avoid these describeddrawbacks of the prior art and to propose a process and an apparatuswhich ensure for the metal strip that a stable strip entry to therolling stand is provided on the entry side of the rolling stand or thelocation of rolling deformation, as a function of the strip dimensions,with little outlay on equipment.

In a process of the type described in the introduction, this object isachieved by virtue of the fact that the strip diversion takes effect oris carried out at a distance of 1.0 times to 10.0 times the strip width,preferably at a distance of 1.5 times to 5.0 times the strip width,upstream of this rolling stand. It has been possible to establish afundamental relationship between the strip width of the metal stripwhich is to be rolled and the optimum location for use of thestrip-diverting measures, insofar as the diversion measures can becarried out at a greater distance upstream of the rolling stand in thecase of wider strips. If the strip diversion takes place too close tothe rolling stand, unstable performance (e.g. overshootingcharacteristics, excessively extended edges, etc.) of the stripdiversion must be expected. On the other hand, the strip also runsoff-center if the strip-diversion measures take place at an excessivelygreat distance upstream of the rolling stand. In this case, thediversion effects are lost again even before the rolling stand isreached.

An optimum strip path is established if the metal strip, in a regionupstream of the rolling stand, between a strip-diverting device and theroll nip, is held under a strip tension of between 2.0 MPa and 15 MPa,preferably between 4.0 MPa and 8.0 MPa. If the strip tension is too low,the strip runs off-center, for example as a result of compressivestresses on one side. This manifests itself through instability, e.g.through the strip wobbling. On the other hand, the risk of the stripcracking rises as the strip tension increases. Since the striptemperature is kept high in this region, the strength of the metal stripis correspondingly lower, and therefore so is the acceptable compressiveforce which can be applied to the metal strip without the pinch rollsproducing indentations therein.

To accurately control the center position of the strip, it is necessaryfor the actual lateral deviation of the metal strip from thepredetermined strip-running direction to be recorded, preferably closeto the location where the strip diversion acts on the metal strip, andfor the position of actuators of the strip-diverting device to becontrolled as a function of this parameter.

The strip path can be additionally stabilized if the metal strip is heldunder a strip pretension in a region upstream of the strip-divertingdevice. The strip tension can be kept at a lower level in this regionthan in the subsequent entry region to the rolling stand and servespredominantly to settle and support the metal strip emerging from thecasting machine. Preferably, the strip pretension is produced or set bymeans of the intrinsic weight of the metal strip hanging down in alooping pit. Alternatively, the strip pretension can be produced or setby a braking force which acts in the opposite direction to thestrip-running direction.

The strip path can be further stabilized if a strip-running centeringaid acts on the metal strip, upstream or downstream of the location ofthe rolling deformation, at a distance from the location of action ofthe strip diversion which corresponds to 1.0 times to 10.0 times thestrip width, preferably 1.5 times to 5.0 times the strip width. This isimportant in particular in the operating phases in which the rollingstand is open, i.e. in which no rolling deformation of the metal stripis taking place, in particular in the start-up phase of the productionsequence. At the same time, the strip-running centering aid serves as afixed point for the strip center-position control, in order to be ableto sufficiently center the strip despite the low strip tensions.

To produce a cast metal strip with a strip thickness of less than 20 mm,preferably between 1 mm and 12 mm, and a hot-rolled metal strip formedin a continuous production process, the invention also proposes aninstallation, comprising a strip-casting device, preferably a two-rollcasting machine, and at least one downstream rolling stand for in-lineroll forming of the cast, undivided metal strip, as well as astrip-diverting device arranged between the strip-casting device and therolling stand. This installation is characterized in that thestrip-diverting device is arranged at a distance of 1.0 times to 7.0times the strip width, preferably at a distance of 1.5 times to 5.0times the strip width, upstream of the rolling stand. Thisstrip-diverting device is preferably formed by a multi-roll driver,preferably by a two-roll driver.

An advantageous refinement of this installation, with the advantagesdescribed above, results if metal-strip conveyor means, preferably thepinch rolls of a multi-roll driver, which interact with adjustment andcontrol devices and by means of which the setting of a strip tension ofbetween 2.0 MPa and 10 MPa, preferably between 4.0 MPa and 7.0 MPa,between the strip-diverting device and the rolling stand or thestrip-running centering aid or another unit in the strip-running linecan be predetermined, are arranged in the strip-diverting device.

Optimum action on the strip path is achieved if the strip-divertingdevice is assigned a strip-position measuring device, and metal-stripconveyor means, preferably the pinch rolls of a multi-roll driver, arearranged in the strip-diverting device, at least one of the metal-stripconveyor means being supported rotatably in a bearing device which canpivot about an axis, these means interacting with control devices forinfluencing the strip-running direction. The pivotable axis ispreferably oriented vertically as a vertical axis or parallel to thestrip-running direction.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the strip-diverting deviceitself forms the pivotable bearing device, and the latter is supporteddisplaceably on guides and connected to an adjustment drive, which ispreferably a coupling mechanism. Other mechanical, electromechanical,hydraulic or electrohydraulic drives are also possible. The guides maybe formed by four-bar linkages or other kinematic mechanisms, rails,bars, rolls, etc.

In order to position the strip-diverting device at the appropriatedistance upstream of the rolling stand, as a function of the strip widthof the strip-diverting device, the strip-diverting device is supportedon guides, and a displacement device for the strip-diverting device isarranged between strip-diverting device and guides. The guides areoriented parallel to the strip-running direction.

To achieve optimum strip running, it is also proposed that a device forproducing a strip pretension in the metal strip is arranged between thestrip-casting device and the strip-diverting device. This device may,for example, be formed by a looping pit, in which case it issubstantially the length of the loop hanging down which determines thestrip tension. In addition, the strip loop hanging down acts as adamping element between the two-roll casting device and the rollingstand, with the result that disruptive feedback between the successiveprocess steps is avoided. According to another embodiment, the devicefor producing a strip pretension is formed by a strip-supporting devicewhich is preferably horizontal and subject to friction, in particular aroller table with braking rolls. Simple, immobile, mechanical supportingelements which are subject to friction may be provided between thebraking rolls or at the location thereof. In this case, it is the lengthof the strip-supporting device which determines the strip tension, theactive length of the strip-supporting device amounting to at least 1.5times the strip width, preferably at least 2.5 times the strip width.The active length is the length of the roller table fitted with brakingrolls.

To maintain the diverting function in the region of the rolling stand,in particular with the roll nip open, it is proposed that astrip-running centering aid, preferably a non-divertible two-roll orthree-roll driver, is arranged downstream of the rolling stand orbetween the strip-diverting device and the rolling stand. Thestrip-diverting device and the strip-running centering aid are arrangedat a distance of 1.0 times to 10.0 times the strip width, preferably ata distance of from 1.5 times to 5.0 times the strip width, from oneanother. It follows from this that the rolling stand and thestrip-diverting device are positioned very close together if thestrip-running centering aid is located downstream of the rolling stand,and that the rolling stand and the strip-diverting device are furtherapart from one another if the strip-running centering aid is positionedupstream of the rolling stand.

To ensure that the production process or installation is run up in astable way during the starting phase, a start-up method for theinstallation is proposed, this method being characterized by thefollowing method steps:

-   -   the cast metal strip which leaves the strip-casting device is        passed through the installation and threaded into the        strip-coiling device substantially at a strip-running velocity,        with the roll nip of the rolling stand open, which corresponds        to the casting rate,    -   a controlled strip tension is set between a strip-diverting        device and a strip-running centering aid connected upstream of        the rolling stand or a strip-running centering aid connected        downstream of the rolling stand or the strip-coiling device,    -   simultaneously or subsequently a controlled strip diversion is        applied at a distance upstream of the rolling stand,    -   the working rollers of the rolling stand are set to a roll nip        which corresponds to the final strip thickness, and    -   the rolling speed is matched to the casting rate.

The controlled strip diversion is in this case applied to the metalstrip, which is under strip tension, at a distance, which corresponds to1.0 times to 10.0 times the strip width, preferably 1.5 times to 5.0times the strip width, of the cast metal strip, upstream of the rollingstand. The controlled strip tension between the strip-diverting deviceand the strip-coiling device or a strip-running centering aid isadvantageously kept at a value of between 2.0 MPa and 15 MPa, preferablybetween 4.0 MPa and 8.0 MPa. This strip tension is applied even beforethe working rollers are moved onto the cast metal strip, i.e. before therolling operation commences, and is maintained during the rollingoperation.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will emergefrom the following description of non-restrictive exemplary embodiments,in which reference is made to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically depicts the installation according to theinvention in a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 diagrammatically depicts the installation according to theinvention in a second embodiment,

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the strip-diverting deviceaccording to the invention.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, which are described below,identical components are denoted by identical reference symbols.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an installation according to the invention for thecontinuous production of a rolled metal strip 1 from a metal melt 2, inwhich, in a first production step, a cast metal strip 3 is produced fromthe metal melt, and in a second production step, which directly followsthe first, the cast metal strip 3 is subjected to hot deformation in arolling process. The rolled metal strip 1 produced in this manner isthen wound up into coils 4 of predetermined weight, if appropriate afterhaving undergone a controlled cooling process, which is not described inmore detail in the context of the present invention.

A strip-casting device 5 whose strand-forming core unit is formed by asingle belt, running horizontally at the underside, or a plurality ofrevolving belts, caterpillars or mold walls, is used to produce the castmetal strip with a strip thickness of between 1.0 and 20 mm. FIG. 1diagrammatically depicts, as one possible embodiment, a two-rollercasting machine 6 which is formed by two casting rollers 8, 8′, whichrotate about horizontal axes 7, 7′, and together with side walls 9 whichare pressed onto the casting rollers at the end sides forms a moldcavity 10 for receiving the metal melt 2, which is supplied via atundish 11. In a fast-moving solidification process, the cast metalstrip 3 is formed in a casting nip 12 between the casting rollers 8, 8′and is conveyed out at the bottom. The cast metal strip 3 is thendiverted into the horizontal and passes through a device 15 forproducing a strip pretension, which is formed by a looping pit 16. Thestrip loop 17 hanging down in the looping pit 16 also compensates fortemporary, production-related differences in speed in the strip as itruns between the strip-casting device 5 and the rolling stand 18. Thelength of the strip loop 17 hanging down exerts a gentle pretension onthe cast metal strip 3 and ensures stabilized, uniform strip running tothe downstream strip-diverting device 19.

In a further embodiment, which is diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 2,the device 15 for producing a strip pretension and therefore thepretension acting on the metal strip is realized by a horizontallyoriented strip-supporting device 20 which decelerates the cast metalstrip 3 sliding over it. This braking action is produced by brakingrolls 22 mounted in the roller table 21 of the strip-supporting device20, a roller table length L which corresponds to 1.5 times to 2.5 timesthe strip width of the cast metal strip 3 being sufficient for thispurpose.

The strip-diverting device 19 is equipped with adjustable metal-stripconveyor means 26 formed by pinch rolls 24, 25. In accordance with FIG.1, the strip-diverting device 19 is designed as a two-roll driver 27 andis arranged at a distance A, which is partly determined by the width ofthe cast metal strip 3, upstream of the rolling stand 18. This distanceA is in a range which amounts to 1.0 times to 10.0 times the stripwidth. The stand frame 28 of the strip-diverting device 19 is supportedon guides 29, which may be configured as sliding guides or rollerguides, and is moved into the predetermined position, which is dependenton the strip width (distance A), by a displacement device 30, which isdesigned as a pressure cylinder and engages on the stand frame 28 on oneside and on the guides 29 on the other side. Furthermore, the pinchrolls 24, 25 of the two-roll driver 27 exert a braking force on themetal strip passing through the working rollers 32, 32′ of the rollingstand 18, this braking force corresponding to a strip tension of between2.0 MPa and 15.0 MPa.

The strip-diverting function can be performed using various embodimentsof the strip-diverting device 19 in conjunction with a strip-positioncenter control.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustable pinchroll 24 is supported rotatably in a pivotable bearing device 33 and iscoupled to a corresponding adjustment and control device 34 and to astrip-position measuring device 35 in order for it to be positioned. Thestrip-position measuring device 35 is arranged close to and downstreamof the strip-diverting device 19. It is also possible for thestrip-position measuring device to be positioned upstream of thestrip-diverting device. This strip-position measuring device is used torecord the deviation of the metal strip from the predeterminedstrip-running center and to transmit a corresponding signal to theadjustment and control device 34. The pivoting movement of the bearingdevice 33, which results in an inclined position of the axis 36 of apinch roll 24 in relation to the axis 37 of the further pinch roll 25(rotary adjustment in the direction indicated by the arrow) or of bothpinch rolls (24, 25) supported in a common bearing device in relation tothe instantaneous strip-running direction, this inclined positionamounting to at most a few degrees, allows the cast metal strip 3 to beoriented to the predetermined strip-running direction R and therebyensures that the metal strip passes centrally through the downstreamrolling stand 18.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically depicts an embodiment in which controllablecompressive forces are applied to the pivotable bearing device 33 of thepinch roll 24 in the direction indicated by the arrow, preferably in theregion of the opposite bearing locations of the pinch roll in thepivotable bearing device 33. The transverse forces which in this caseflow into the cast metal strip 3 transversely to the strip-runningdirection R displace the strip-running in the direction of thesetransverse forces.

FIG. 3 diagrammatically depicts a preferred embodiment of thestrip-diverting device 19. the stand frame 28 which accommodates thepinch rolls 24, 25 is supported, in such a manner that it can pivotabout a vertical axis 50, by means of curved, in particular arcuate,guides 49, and the orientation of the stand frame 28 with respect to thestrip-running direction R can be set by means of a pivoting device 51,which is formed, for example, by hydraulic or electromechanicalactuating devices, in particular also having a coupling mechanism. Thevertical axis 50 represents the instantaneous center of rotation of thepivoting movement. The transverse forces or differential strip tensionswhich thereby act on the metal strip displace the strip-runningdirection in the direction of these transverse forces.

The strip-diverting device 19 is assigned a strip-position measuringdevice 35, e.g. an optical, capacitive or inductive measurement system,which determines the actual position of the strip edges and/or of thestrip center of the metal strip. The measurement results determined arefed to a control device, from which control signals are emitted to therespective actuators of the strip-diverting device.

To allow sufficient strip centering to be realized despite the low striptension, a strip-running centering aid 46 is positioned downstream ofthe strip-diverting device 19, either upstream or downstream of therolling stand 18. This strip-running centering aid forms a fixed pointfor the strip diversion and, when the rolling stand 18 is closed, has anadditional stabilizing action on the strip running. In FIG. 1, thestrip-running centering aid 46 is diagrammatically depicted as athree-roll driver and is illustrated on the outlet side of the rollingstand 18, while in FIG. 2 the strip-running centering aid 46 isillustrated as a two-roll driver on the inlet side of the rolling stand18.

In a hot-deformation process, which takes place in the rolling stand 18(two-high, four-high or six-high rolling mill), the cast metal strip 3is rolled, with a degree of reduction of up to 50%, in an in-linerolling operation to form a hot-rolled metal strip 1 with apredetermined final strip thickness. If multi-stand rolling trains areused, it is possible to achieve higher degrees of reduction andtherefore lower final strip thicknesses. To set a predetermined, uniformrolling temperature, it is possible for a temperature-compensation zone39, which is formed by a temperature-compensation tunnel furnace or astrip edge heater, to be connected upstream of the rolling stand 18.After it has left the rolling stand 18, the metal strip 1 is subjectedto controlled cooling in a cooling section 40, is divided up usingtransverse cutting flying shears 41 at locations corresponding to thedesired coil weight, and is wound up into coils 4 in a strip-coilinginstallation 42.

During the start-up operation, in which the first piece of a cast metalstrip is threaded through the installation at casting speed using, forexample, a start-up strand, the roll nip 44 of the rolling stand 18 isopen. The start-up strand is separated from the cast metal strip usingthe transverse cutting flying shears and the metal strip is fed to thecoiling installation, where it starts to be wound up. Even before itstarts to be wound up, a strip tension is built up, in particularbetween the strip-diverting device 19 and the strip-running centeringaid 46, and at the same time or subsequently a predetermined striptension is set. Subsequently, the working rollers 32, 32′ of the rollingstand are moved together so as to move to the desired roll nip 44, andthe coiling speed is matched to the degree of deformation which is setin the rolling stand. In this way, steady-state operation of theinstallation is achieved. As an alternative to the strip-runningcentering aid 46, it is also possible for the strip-coiling installation42 or the entry driver 48 connected upstream of it to be used to buildup the strip tension. Each driver arrangement positioned between thestrip-diverting device 19 and the strip-coiling installation can performthis function and is therefore covered by the scope of protection of thepresent invention.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A process for continuously producing a rolled metalstrip from a metal melt comprising from a metal melt, forming a cast,undivided metal strip with an initial strip thickness of less than 20 mmand with a strip width; passing the strip along a path; roll deformingthe cast, undivided metal strip until the strip reaches a final stripthickness; and prior to the roll deforming, passing the metal stripthrough a strip diversion located upstream in the path of the metalstrip from the roll deforming, wherein the strip diversion is performedat a distance of between 1.0 and 10.0 times the width of the stripupstream of the roll deforming.
 23. The process of claim 22, wherein thestrip diversion is performed at a distance of 1.5 times to 5.0 times thestrip width upstream of the roll deforming.
 24. The process of claim 22,wherein the metal strip is formed by introducing the metal melt into astrip casting device and forming the metal strip of the first thicknessin the strip casting device, wherein the metal strip is roll deformed ina rolling stand, and the strip diversion is upstream of the rollingstand.
 25. The process of claim 24, wherein the initial strip thicknessis between 1 mm and 12 mm.
 26. The process of claim 22, wherein betweenthe strip diversion and the roll deforming, the method comprisingholding the metal strip under a strip tension of between 2.0 MPa and 15MPa.
 27. The process of claim 22, wherein between the strip diversionand the roll deforming, the method comprising holding the metal stripunder a strip tension of between 4.0 MPa and 8.0 MPa.
 28. The process ofclaim 24, further comprising recording actual lateral diversion of themetal strip from a predetermined strip-running direction on the path andcontrolling the position of actuators of the strip diverting device as afunction of the measured lateral diversion.
 29. The process of claim 28,wherein the actual lateral diversion is recorded close to the locationof the strip diversion of the metal strip.
 30. The process of claim 26,further comprising holding the metal strip under a strip pretension at aregion of the path upstream of the strip diversion.
 31. The process ofclaim 24, further comprising holding the metal strip under a strippretension at a region of the path upstream of the strip diversion. 32.The process of claim 31, wherein the strip pretension is set by theintrinsic weight of the metal strip hanging down in a loop.
 33. Theprocess of claim 31, wherein the strip pretension is produced byapplying a braking force in the opposite direction to a strip runningdirection along the path.
 34. The process of claim 24, furthercomprising a strip-running centering aid located upstream or downstreamof the location of roll deformation and at a distance from the locationof the strip diversion corresponding to 1.0 times to 10.0 times thefirst strip width.
 35. The process of claim 24, further comprising astrip-running centering aid located upstream or downstream of thelocation of roll deformation and at a distance from the location of thestrip diversion corresponding to 1.5 times to 5.0 times the first stripWidth.
 36. Apparatus for continuous production of a rolled metal stripcomprising: a strip-casting device for producing a cast metal striphaving an initial strip thickness when produced of less than 20 mm, andthe strip passing from the strip casting device along a path; at leastone rolling stand downstream of the strip-casting device along the pathand the rolling stand is adapted for in-line roll deforming of the cast,undivided metal strip; a strip-diverting device along the path of themetal strip between the strip-casting device and the rolling stand,wherein the strip-diverting device is spaced at a distance of 1.0 timesto 10.0 times the width of the strip upstream of the rolling stand. 37.The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the strip-casting device comprises atwo-roll casting machine for producing a cast metal strip.
 38. Theapparatus of claim 36, wherein the strip casting device produces a castmetal strip having an initial thickness in the range between 1 mm and 12mm.
 39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the strip diverting device isat a distance upstream of the roll stand along the path of the metalstrip of between 1.5 times to 5.0 times the width of the strip.
 40. Theapparatus of claim 37, wherein the strip diverting device comprises amulti-roller driver for the strip.
 41. The apparatus of claim 36,further comprising a metal strip conveyor for conveying the strip alongthe path; adjustment and control devices at the strip diverting deviceand connected with the conveyor for setting the strip tension of themetal strip conveyed by the conveyor at between 2.0 MPa and 15 MPabetween the strip diverting device on the one hand and one of therolling stand, a strip running centering aid or another element on thepath of the strip.
 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the conveyorcomprises cooperating pinch rolls of a multi-roll driver for the strip.43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the strip tension set by theadjustment and control devices is between 4.0 MPa and 8.0 MPa.
 44. Theapparatus of claim 41, further comprising a strip position measuringdevice connected with the strip diverting device; the metal stripconveyor is at the strip diverting device; the metal strip conveyorhaving at least one element that is rotatably supported in a pivotablebearing device and the bearing device is pivotable to adjust thedirection of the at least one element to affect the strip runningdirection, and the conveyor and the at least one element supported onthe conveyor are controllable and positionable for influencing the striprunning direction on the path, and control elements for influencing thestrip running direction.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein theconveyor comprises a multi-roll driver on the path of the strip foracting on the strip, the conveyor element that is rotatably supported inthe pivotable bearing device comprises one roll of the multi-rolldriver, the pivotable bearing device supporting the one roll forallowing adjustment of the orientation of the one roll for redirectingthe strip direction along the path.
 46. The apparatus of claim 45,wherein the strip diverting device includes the pivotable bearing devicewhich is pivotable about an axis transverse to the axis of the one rollsupported at the pivotable bearing device; curved guides displaceablysupporting the pivotable bearing device and an adjustment device foradjusting the position of the pivotable bearing device along the curvedguides.
 47. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising guides onwhich the strip diverting device is supported; a displacement device fordisplacing the strip diverting device for setting the distance of thediverting device from the rolling stand, and the displacement device isbetween the strip diverting device and the guides.
 48. The apparatus ofclaim 41, further comprising a device for producing strip pretension inthe metal strip and being located along the path of the strip betweenthe strip casting device and the strip diverting device.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 48, wherein the device for producing strip pretensioncomprises a looping pit into which a loop of the strip may hang.
 50. Theapparatus of claim 48, wherein the device for producing strip pretensioncomprises a strip supporting device which is horizontal and subject tofriction.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the device forproducing strip pretension comprises a roller table having braking rollsacting thereon.
 52. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the stripsupporting device has an active length along the path of the strip thatis at least 1.5 times the strip width.
 53. The apparatus of claim 50,wherein the strip supporting device has an active length along the pathof the strip that is at least 2.5 times the strip width.
 54. Theapparatus of claim 36, further comprising a strip running centering aidarranged downstream of the rolling stand or between the strip divertingdevice and the rolling stand along the path of the strip.
 55. Theapparatus of claim 54, wherein the strip running centering aid comprisesa non-divertible two roll or three roll driver.
 56. The apparatus ofclaim 55, wherein the strip diverting device and the strip runningcentering aid are at a distance from each other of 1.0 times to 10.0times the strip width.
 57. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the stripdiverting device and the strip running centering aid are at a distancefrom each other of 1.5 times to 5.0 times the strip width.
 58. A startupmethod for an apparatus for continuously producing a rolled metal stripwherein the apparatus on which the method is performed comprises a stripcasting device for producing a cast metal strip with an initially castthickness of less than 20 mm; at least one rolling stand downstreamalong a path of the strip from the strip casting device and adapted forin-line roll forming of the cast, undivided metal strip, the rollingstand including a roll nip defined by and between working rollers andthe nip being openable and being closeable to form the nip; a stripdiverting device arranged between the strip casting device and therolling stand for influencing the strip running direction of the metalstrip along the path upstream of the rolling stand; a centering aid forcentering the strip along the path; and a strip coiling device forwinding up the rolled metal strip after it passes the rolling stand; themethod comprising: after the metal strip exits the strip casting device,passing the strip along the strip path through the apparatus andthreading the strip into the strip coiling device substantially at astrip running velocity along the path; the rolling stand including theroll nip that is then open between the working rollers thereof, and thestrip running velocity corresponding to a casting rate of the stripcasting device; setting a controlled strip tension between the stripdiverting device and one of the strip running centering aid disposedalong the strip path upstream of the rolling stand, or the strip runningcentering aid connecting disposed downstream of the rolling stand or thestrip coiling device; either simultaneously or subsequently providing acontrolled strip diversion to the metal strip at a distance upstream ofthe rolling stand on the path of the strip, and applying the diversionto the metal strip while the strip is under tension, at a distanceupstream of the rolling stand on the path of 1.0 times to 10.0 times thewidth of the strip; thereafter setting the working rollers of therolling stand to form a roll nip which corresponds to the final stripthickness; and matching the rolling speed to the casting rate from thecasting device.
 59. The startup method of claim 58, wherein thecontrolled strip tension between the strip diverting device and thestrip coiling device or a strip centering aid is at a value of between2.0 MPa and 15 MPa.